The 12 things to do in Brest

Are you going to visit Brest and Brittany soon? Discover our selection of 12 things to see or do during your trip!

Nicknamed the "Cité du Ponant", Brest is one of the European capitals of the sea and above all one of the most beautiful rades in France.

Opened all the time on the world, thanks to its large military and commercial port, it is rich in a tormented and exciting history. From his past there are only strong testimonies like his castle. Unfortunately, the city suffered the disasters of the Second World War. Its reconstructed city image does not help attract tourists. Fortunately, the city has strong strengths, such as its cultural heritage, its Breton identity or its magnificent hinterland. Because from Brest, you will have no trouble discovering the charms of Brittany, the unspoiled landscapes and coastlines!

Finally, Brest is a student city with some 23,000 students. The city does not lack animations in the evening. So what to do in Brest during your stay between land and sea? Which places do you have to discover absolutely?

To help you visit Brest, we have selected for you the 11 best things to do or see during your stay!

1. The National Marine Museum

What about Brest? If there is a must-see museum in Brest, it is the National Marine Museum. First, it is located in Brest Castle, rich in 17 centuries of history. During your visit, you will discover the architecture and structure of the castle while enjoying beautiful views of the city.

Second, the exhibitions presented are enriching, well provided and illustrated by impressive wood sculptures and playful films. Count to a minimum 2 hours to turn around and enjoy the views!

2. Oceanopolis

If you come to visit Brest, the second must-see place is obviously Océanopolis. In this park, the oceans are honoured.

To discover the secrets, you can visit three pavilions dedicated to three different marine fauna and flora: tropical, Breton and polar, but also admire a large aquarium in which sharks evolve, or follow the Trail of the Loutres – to learn more about these amazing animals and players!

The visit can last from 3 hours to a full day.

3. The Port of Brest

Near the National Marine Museum and the city centre is another of the main attractions to visit in Brest: its famous port.

Don’t hesitate to browse it and admire the different boats that are moored there. It is also a place of life, with many restaurants.

4. La Tour de la Motte-Tanguy

On the other side of the Penfeld River, facing the National Marine Museum, is the Motte-Tanguy Tower.

Built in the 14th century, this tower is a beautiful testimony of the ancient architecture of Brest. It also houses a small museum, where there are large dioramas of the Brussels painter Jim Sévellec evoking the history of the city and the Brest before 1939!

5. La Rue Saint-Malo

If you come to visit Brest, Rue Saint-Malo is the street to be discovered absolutely.

Its timeless charm and dislocation will make you feel the atmosphere of the ancient city, before the Second World War comes to destroy the beautiful ancient streets of Brest. For a little authenticity, this typical and friendly street is to be explored!

6. Les Ateliers des Capucins

Located at the end of Rue Saint-Malo, the Ateliers des Capucins are visiting in Brest during your stay! In this completely renovated space, formerly workshops for repair of the National Navy, have chosen home shops, restaurants and cultural spaces.

For memory, aesthetics and Art, several machines have remained on site adding cultural cachet instead. Large spaces have also been left free for local artists to show, sing or dance: a real cultural boiling!

7. Fort Montbarey

What to do in Brest during your stay? Visit more museums, of course! Fort Montbarey is another military work, built in the 18th century, and now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Finistère during the war.

Whether you’re passionate or not, don’t hesitate to discover it during your stay.

8. A boat ride

How do I come to the Finistère without measuring the elements? Nothing like doing a boat ride in Brest to spend a pleasant day at sea, to discover the islands of Interesting or Molène, or simply to appreciate the beauty of the ribs from another angle.

But be careful, the coasts are also sublime to discover which can sometimes be dangerous, so don’t hesitate to look at the tides before renting a boat in Brest!

9. La Plage du Moulin Blanc

Located not far from the Oceanopolis, the Moulin Blanc Beach is one of the only urban beaches in Brest. If it is not recommended for swimming, it is still a charming place and appreciated by the Brussels.

It is possible to walk on the sand or in the surroundings, to enjoy the sea air, to rest or to picnic. Around the beach, a number of restaurants and cafés have chosen their home in front of the Anse du Moulin Blanc. Amateurs can also try to water sports.

10. Brest National Botanical Conservatory

North of the Moulin Blanc beach, you can discover the Brest National Botanical Conservatory, a simply beautiful space. This little jewel, hidden in the Breton city, is ideal for walks.

Here you are plunged in the middle of nature, with even some charming cascades and tropical plant greenhouses. It is a relaxing and pleasant place that you should visit in Brest.

11. The Museum of Fine Arts

Despite the losses of the Second World War, the Museum of Fine Arts in Brest went well. Thanks to a considerable effort, a superb collection of ancient painting was brought together, the largest to have been incorporated in France since 1945!

It offers the visitor a beautiful panorama of French and Italian painting through the centuries. Despite its emphasis on ancient art, a witness to the past for a heritage city destroyed by the bombings, the Museum houses modern paintings and even sits in a typical building of the post-war functional architecture.

12. What to do in Brest and its surroundings?

Are you still wondering what to do in Brest or around? Discover the activities and other places to discover during your stay:

• Go to the Iroise Bridge, which offers a great view of the Brest Rade and the Elorn River!
• Take a boat ride to the Ponant Islands, like Molène or Ouessant.
• Visit the charming Abbey of Daoulas, gateway to the Regional Natural Park of Armorique and its wonderful hikes!
• Walk around the Pointe du Diable and its surroundings to enjoy sublime views of the sea and the Breton nature.
• Amazing at the Pointe du Petit Minou, where you will discover an exceptional view of Brest’s rade!

How to get to Brest?

To get to Brest, you can use the plane, train, bus or car. Depending on your starting point, one will be more suitable and economical than others.

• By plane, you will have no trouble finding a direct flight from other French destinations such as Lyon or Marseille. To get flights at the best price, you can consult our partner's website Ulysses.
• By train, you can use the SNCF company to join Brest: count 4H30 from Paris and 3H30 from Nantes.
• By bus, you can also use the Ouibus or Flixbus companies to visit Brest easily and at a lower cost.
• By car: It is also possible to join and visit Brest with your own vehicle or if you rent a car. From Paris, the journey lasts on average 5H30, 3H15 since Nantes and four hours from Caen. You can also use the Blablacar site to find carpools or carpools for this charming Breton city.

Where to stay in Brest?

If you plan to visit Brest, you will not miss options for your accommodation. There are charming people areas where to sleep in Brest , like the city centre, the huppé district of Saint-Marc or the Quatre-Moulins district.

For your accommodation in Brest, you will only have the embarrassment of choice, regardless of your budget. Don’t hesitate to consult this Compare hotels to choose accommodation for your stay in Brest!